Podcast Episodes
Ironwood: Metal Meets Wood Celtic/American Music to the Battle of the Bands at The Stray
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In this lively episode, Mark and Anna from Ironwood take us inside their journey from separate musical worlds—metal and acoustic—to a powerful partnership shaped by their marriage and shared passion for authenticity. They explore how being a married couple makes rehearsals effortless, how their creative collaboration is fueled by nearly a decade of partnership, and why they intentionally keep the process fun over stressful. You’ll discover how their approach to songwriting, blending genres, and even improvising stage routines keeps their performances fresh, relatable, and full of energy.
Tiff Falls | Why Being a “Full-Time” Sound Engineer at One Venue Is a Game-Changer
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In this episode, we sit down with Tiff Falls, a dedicated sound engineer and event manager at The Alluvion, to explore the nuances of live sound, event management, and the joy of working in the music industry. From her journey into sound engineering to her touring experiences and insights into creating the perfect live music environment, Tiff shares her passion and expertise.
How Art Arbor Turns Musicians' Confusions into Clear Strategies for Success
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Discover how Art Arbor empowers musicians and artists to navigate the complexities of the music industry. In this episode, Andrew Whitter discusses the importance of community, goal setting, and strategic planning for artists at every stage of their journey.
How the Pyramid Scheme Became One of Michigan's Most Beloved Music Venue in 15 Years
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Join us as Nate Dorough, the full-time Director of Programming at The Pyramid Scheme, shares his insights into booking, promoting, and sustaining a beloved community venue. This episode explores the intricacies of booking tours, promoting shows organically, handling logistical challenges post-COVID, and maintaining the magic that keeps the venue thriving.
Behind the Sound Board with Berkeley Tistle
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We stepped away from the stage and behind the board this week at Gig: The Art of Michigan Music in Jackson, Michigan, to sit down with Berkley Tissel — a live sound engineer with nearly a decade of experience working across Michigan, from small local stages to the iconic Masonic Temple in Detroit and Royal Oak.
LIPSEY and Chima: Why Change Is the Key to Survival and Growth in Life and Music
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This episode dives into the journeys of two Kalamazoo-based artists, LIPSEY and Chinma, exploring how change, persistence, and collaboration shape their careers in music. Perfect for aspiring artists and anyone interested in the evolving music industry.
Riot Course: Guitar Music Done Right – Post-Grunge, Emo & Beyond
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We sat down with all four members of RiotCourse — Kate, Spencer, Mark, and Nathan — to talk about their brand new EP, recording at IO Studio in Detroit, playing in multiple bands, DIY venues, and what's coming next.
From Broken Windows to Milestone Moments: Inside Low Phase's Homemade Studio Journey
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In this candid chat, Lpw Phase reveals how self-producing their latest album has unlocked rawer, heavier sounds—think shoegaze meets distorted guitars—without the studio constraints. You'll discover how a broken window led to an unforgettable story, the secret behind their color-changing cups, and practical insights into modern live performance strategies like integrating backing tracks and managing costs as an indie band.
From Tie-Dye Shirts to Stormy Gigs: Ramble Tamble Keeps Their Style Low-Key and Authentic
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Discover the unique sound of Ramble Tamble, a band from Marquette, Michigan, blending surf music, psychedelic vibes, and beach-inspired themes. In this episode, they share their origins, creative process, and the stories behind their live shows and recordings.
From College Talent Shows to Road Trips: The Rise of Zinc Vacuum
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In this episode, we sit down with the dynamic duo Zinc Vacuum, a Michigan-based two-piece rock band, to uncover their journey from college talent shows to recording albums and planning tours. Dive into their creative process, influences, and the unique aspects of being a two-member band in today's music landscape.
Pretty Sure: Trio of Friends Reignite Goober Punk Music Between Cincinnati to Grand Rapids
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Join Bryce and Kyle from Pretty Sure as they share candid stories about their journey in music, their upcoming tour, the nuances of releasing EPs versus albums, and their creative processes. This episode offers an authentic look into what it takes to grow in the indie scene while staying true to their art.
The Alluvion: The Secret Sauce Behind a Thriving Music Venue: Passion, Thoughtfulness, and Community
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Explore the story behind Traverse City's vibrant music scene through the lens of The Alluvion venue. This episode features insights from Matt McCalpin, the venue's operations and booking manager, and audio engineer Tiff Falls, as they discuss the venue’s inception, unique features, and upcoming events.
Super Nuclear - From Oil & Dye to Digital the Evolution of Live Visuals in Modern Music
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Discover the innovative work of Matthew Stafford, aka Supernuclear, who creates mesmerizing live visuals for music performances. This conversation explores his process, influences, and ambitions to shape a vibrant live music scene in Traverse City, Michigan.
That Is A Wrap 2025: Michigan Music Recap
In this episode, Jeff and Ryan recap their year of the podcast and the Michigan music news. They talk about some of the interviews they had with musicians such as Mike Ward, Spencer LaJoye, Rebekah Jon, Kylee Phillips, Chris DuPont, and Kyle Joe. They talk about the venues that closed and opened or will open soon, such as Acrisure Amphitheater, The Big Room, and Kalamazoo State Theater. Of course, they discuss some of highlights in live music they experienced in the past year. Finally, they touch on what is in store for the podcast in 2026.
Live from Sounds of the Zoo: Artist Insights
In this episode, we explore the vibrant music scene at the Sounds of the Zoo Festival, featuring interviews with two bands and one photographer, including The Blue Pines, Sophia McIntosh and the Sages, and Stacey Griffin from Dreamwave Photography. The discussions delve into the artists' backgrounds, their creative processes, and the unique experiences of performing at the festival. The episode highlights the collaborative spirit and the diverse musical influences that shape the artists' work.
Exploring the Sound of Basic Comfort
We had the opportunity to talk with Kalamazoo's alternative pop band Basic Comfort at the Sounds of the Zoo festival. The band has been playing music for over a decade. We discussed their music creation process and upcoming releases. The band shares insights into their collaborative approach and the evolution of their sound, highlighting their latest single 'Aurora' and plans for future music.
Overdrive Orchestra: Progedelic Rock
An interview with Overdrive Orchestra at Bells Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo! The members of Overdrive Orchestra discuss their latest album 'Restless Star', the creative process behind their music, and their influences, including a nod to Pink Floyd.
Erin Monro & Celestina y Los Sanchez
This episode consists of two interviews with women vocalists, Erin Monroe and Celestina Sanchez, that we came across while at the Sounds of the Zoo Festival in Kalamazoo.
Rising from the Fall: Jacob Betts' Journey of Overcoming a Traumatic Brain Injury
Jacob Betts, The American Hotel System, shares his profound journey following a traumatic brain injury during college, detailing how it transformed his life and led him to songwriting.